Fuse clip



N. J. CONRAD April 1o, `1928.

FUS E CLI P Filed Ma y 25. 1925 QQ.

Patented Apr.. 10, 1928.

.UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

NICHOLAS J'. CONRAD, OF WILMETTE, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO SCHWEITZER & CONRAD, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS.

FUSE CLIP.

Application filed May 25, 192.5. Serial No. 32,741.

,My invention relates to improvements in fuse clips and is a continuation in part of my prior application, Serial No. 631,263, filed April 11, 1923.

To illustrate the invention I have shown and described the same in connection with a fuse clip. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to suchJ a use, but may be employed Wherever found desirable.

The objects of the instant invention are to provide for holding the fuse, or other device, securely in place in the clip; also to provide for preventing accidental displacement of the fuse, or other device, from the clip; for tensioning the contact jaws of the clip, and for pressing them firmly against the terminals of the fuse, or other device, to increase the intimacy of the electrical contact and assure maximum, firm, and positive contact at all times. I further provide a clip which will permit tensioning the jaws and pressing them firmly against the terminals of the fuse, or other device, and a clip which will accommodate itself to slight variations and inaccuracies of the fuse terminal or ferrule, and still further a generally improved and simplified construction that may be economically produced, con veniently mounted, and into and from which the fuse, or other device, may be conveniently inserted and withdrawn.

To further acquaint those skilled in the art with the nature of my invention and the manner ofy practising and carrying out the same, I shall now describe in connection with the accompanying drawings certain embodiments of the invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a fuse mounting embodying my invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged end View of one of the fuse clips;

Fig. 3 is a top plan View of the clip;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of thevclip, taken from one side thereof; y

5 is an end view of another form of clip embodying my invention;

Fig. 6 is a horizontal section taken on,

the line 6-6 'of Fig. 5; Aand Fig. 7 is a vertical section taken 0n the line 7-7`of Fig. 5.

The mounting shown in the drawings comprises a pair of post or supporting insulators 5, suitably mounted at their lower ends upon a supporting base G. Terminal bars 7, of suitable conducting material, are mounted upon the upper ends of the insulators 5, and terminal members S are sccared, as by means of bolts 9, upon the extending ends of the bars 7 and in electrical contact therewith. The terminal members 8 may have sockets 10 in which the line conductors (not shown) may be mechanically secured and in proper electrical contact with the socketed terminals.

The fuse clips 12 are mounted upon the terminal bars 7 with their bases in proper contact with the bars 7 vfor electrical connection with the line conductors therethrough.

The fuse shown and with which the present clips and mounting are especially adapted for use, although'they may be employed wherever found desirable, is designated at 15. It is of the typical. Schweitzer & Conrad type, such as is disclosed, for example, in Schweitzer and Conrad Patent No. 1,135,548, granted April 13, 1915, and comprises a tube or sleeve having terminal ferrules 16 at opposite ends with a normal electrical connection between the ferrules, means for opening the fuse, a fusible element normally restraining same, and a body of arc extinguishing liquid of high dielectric strength enclosing the mechanism within the tube or sleeve for quenching the arc.

Each ofthe fuse or spring contact clips 12 is formed of a metallic strip having a springiness of the desired order, and the opposite ends of this strip are turned up to form legs 20 substantially normal to the intermediate base 21 provided thereby. The base 21 has a pair of apertures 22 through which screws 23 may be inserted for fastening the base of theV clip to the terminal bar 7 and in good electrical contact therewith.

The outer portions of the legs 2() are looped or folded back at 24 to provide contact jaws .of proper y configuration to re- 1 ceive'the terminals 16 and to conform intimately to and make a goed contact with said terminals. Inf the embodiment shown 1n 'Figs 1 to 4, the terminals 16 are cylindrical in cross section and the jaw portions 25 yio sioned by the inherent springiness of the clip, because ot its material and formation, into firm contact with the errule. Above the errule receiving portion proper, as they are turned into or from the legs 20, the jaws 24 are preferably re-curved'at 26 to give the jaws a restricted mouth or throat through which the ferrule is sprung in inserting the fuse into the clip. As the terminal of the fuse reaches the jaw portions 25 upon insertion, the re-curved portions or restricted mouth or throat 26 spring back or contract and provide a yieldable restriction against removal of the fuse from the clip.

v The lower tree ends of the jaw portions 25 maybe notched or recessed a't 30 to permit convenient insertion of a screw driver, orvothe'r suitable tool, between the jawsand into engagement with the screws 23 for the purpose of mounting and demounting the cli l For the purpose of increasing the intimacy oitl the contact with `the fuse terminal and increasing the tension in the looped spring jaws of the clip, as well as increasing the amount and rmness of contact, and preventing accidental or unintentional displacement of the fuse from the clip, I provide the same with a bail 35. The particular bail, illustrated iii-Figs. 1 to 4, comprises a relatively rigid wire of suitable gauge and of generally U-shaped formation. The tree ends of the legs 36 of the bail 35 are turned in at 38 into apertures in the legs 2O ot' the clip,l and preferably fit sufliciently loose in said apertures that the bail may be swung conveniently about the endsy 38, which are thusfpivoted to the clip. The bail 35 is adapted lto be swung about its swingably" mounted ends up into position embracing the clip, or out laterally, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3, to free the jaws ot the clip.

The sides'of the clip or legs 20 are pre terably flared outwardly and when freed normally assume the outward flared position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2. Conversely, of course, the legs of the bail may be dared in the opposite direction, or the legs ot the bail and the legs ot the clip :may both be flared reversely or in opposite directions. By flaring the legs ot" the clip, flaring or the bail is unnecessary. ylhe swingable mounting oit the bail is near the bottom oit the legs 20 where the distance between said legs is in the normal treed condition thereof, less than at 'the upper looped ends. This permits swinging the bailv up into clip embracing position and as the bail begins to take metalic upwardly about kthe legs 2() of the clip, it.

ing or clamping said jaws firmly upon the ferrule 16 to secure an increased intimacy and maximum, firm, and positive contact with the ferrule of, the fuse.

' rll`he contraction of the jaws proper 25, being limited because of the ferrule 16 between them, any contraction imposed by the bail in excess of that permitted in the jaws proper 25 results in contracting each looped leg 2() to still further increase the pressure imposed by the springiness thereof.

When the 'bail is in clip embracing position the intermediate or base portion 40 thereof extends across the open end of the generally [Ll-shaped clip and disposes a barrier in the path ot removal of the fuse or other device `ir'rom the clip, so that in addition to the tirm clamping of the fuse in the clip, accidental displacement of the fuse is still further prevented. The bails thereby perform the double functionl of lirmly clamping the spring jaws of the clip upon the errule of the fuse, and disposing a barv rier in the path o'fremoval of the fuse from the clip. Y j

Lugs 45 struck up from the sides or legs 20 of the clip are adapted to limit the swing or the bail in one direction, lugs 46 being similarly struck up to a less degree, as shown in Fig. 4, and adapted for co-operation with the legs of the bails upon springing the same ythereover to prevent accidental swinging of the bails in the opposite direction. The lugs 46 are formed to prevent accidental release of the bails from clip embracing position and, at the same time, they permit springing of the hails past them in one direction in setting the bails into clip embracing position, and in the opposite direction when it is tdesired to release the fuse. When it is desired to remove the fuse, the clips 16 are released by springing the bails 35, past the lugs 46 to the dotted line position shown 'fragmentarily in Fig; 3,`- whereupon the terminals of thel fuse may be conveniently sprung from the jaws 25 through the restricted throats 26.

When the fuse is mounted vertically the lower clip, as for example shown at the letthand side of Fig. 1, is preferably provided with an angle stop 90.l This stop is preferably a conductor and its base 91 may be mounted under the heads of the screws 23, as shown in Fig. 2. lits free leg 92 "eX- tends out along or beneath the end or" the Aadjacent terminal ferrule or' the fuse and additionally prevents longitudinal slipping of the fuse from its mounting. t

ln the embodiment shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 7, the errule 16 is splayed on diametrically opposite `sides to provide dia,-

metrically opposite parallel Contact faces 50.

In this case the looped back jaw portions i ferrule by the associated bail 35", parallel ,slightly towards their lower ends, so that when the upper portions of said jaw portions are clamped into engagement with the -Contact will be secured.

Although not limited to any particular use, the clip shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 7 is especially suitable for heavier service or duty., In such cases the parts' are usually heavier and more rigid and to increase the springiness of the jaws 25', said jaws may lbe split lengthwise or vertically (Fig. 6) by cuts 56 extending between and parallel with the opposite edges of the jaws and up and at least partially through the u per looped portions where they turn into t e legs 20. A second generally U-shaped clip member mounted upon the base 21 and in electrical contact therewith, as by means of the mounting screws 22, has its unstanding legs (Fig. 5) embracing the lower free ends of the jaws 25 and acting in opposition to any spreading thereof to firmly maintain the lower portions of said jaws in firm electrical contactwith the ferrule 16. The upstanding legs of the clip member 60 maybe separated by cuts 62 extending between and i parallel with. the opposite edges of said legs.

Thls provides in jaw for the fuse.

The bail 35 may be mounted as before, and lts inturned ends 38 may be additionally heldY against displacement by means of cotter pins 65.

In the -absence of the restricted throat of 'the previous embodiment, the jaws 25 of the present embodiment Iriay have slight protuberances punched therein and4 providing stops for preventing outward displacement of the ferrule of the fuse when it is clamped in place in the clip. The bail stops 72 may be pressed in the legs 20', as shown in Fig. 6, and have laterally extending surfaces 3 (Fig. 6) terminating in projecting shoulders 74, which limit the swing of the bail in one direction. As the bail is swung into clip embracing position, it eni' gages the surfaces 73 and through said sur# faces clamps the spring jaws of the clip firmly against the contact vsurfaces of the ferrule. The friction engagement of the legs of the bail with the surfaces 73 holds effect a laminated spring the bail against accidental swinging intorev leased position, and as the bail reaches complete clip embracing position, it'engages the stops 7 4, which limit its swing in that direction.v

\ As the bailmoves into clip embracing position and rides upon the surfaces 73, it presses the looped jaws of the clip into firm and complete Contact with the ferrule and, as before, any inward contraction over that allowed by the ferrule-will result in contracting the loops of the clips themselves, placing them under tension to still further increase the binding action upon the flat contact faces of the fuse fel-rule 16.

I do not, of course, intend to be limited to the precise details shown and described.

I claim f 1. In a clip of the class described, the combination of a pair of spring jaws adapted to receive a device for mounting therein, said jaws being held in close contact with the device by their inherent resiliency, and a swingably mounted bail adapted to be swung into position embracing said jaws to press same upon the device and having a portion lying in the path of removal of the device when in jaw embracing position.

2. In a clip of the class described, the combination of a pair of springlegs looped to form integral jaws to receive".l a device for mounting therein, and a bail swingably mounted upon said legs and adapted to be swun into position embracing same to tenj sion t e looped legsand press the jaws upon the device disposed therein.

3. In a clip of the class described, the combination of a pair of spring-,legs looped to form jaws to receive a device for mounting therein, a bail swingably mounted upon said legs and adapted to be swung into position embracing same to tension the looped legs and press the jaws upon the device disposed thereinand detent means on the looped legs for holding the bail in clip embracing position.

4. In a clip of the class described, the combination of a pair of spring legs looped to form integral jaws to receive a device for mounting therein, and a bail swingably mounted upon said legs and adapted to be swung into position embracing same to tension the looped legs and ress the jaws upon the device disposed therein, said bail having a portion disposed in the path of removal of the device from the clip when the bail is in embracing position. f

5. In combination, a clip yhaving an intermediate mounting base, spring legs having sides generally normal to opposite ends of said base and integral internal contact jaws to receive a device for mounting in the clip and a generally U-shaped bail having its intermediate portion disposed opposite the base of the clip and its legs swingably mounted upon the clip sides, said bail boing adapted to be swun into position embracing the spring legs o the clip to control said jaws.

6. Inv combination, a generally U-shaped -clphaving integral sprlng legs to receive'a los llO

- clamping position.

8. A terminal clip comprising a strip bent to form a base portion, side portions, and jaws for the reception ot a Ifuse device, a bail adapted to be swung up about said 1side portions to clamp the :tuse in the clip and down from co-operation with said side portions to release the fuse,` the opposite ends ot said bail being turned into apertures in said side portions., and means on said sidey portions for holding the bail in position thereabout.

9. A terminal clip comprising a strip bent to form a base portion and spring jaws for the reception ot a fuse device, anda bail adapted to be swung up about said jaws to clamp the fuse in the clip and down from o-'operation with said jaws to release the use.

l0. lin a device of the class described, a clip having jaw torming legs secured at one end, the opposed faces of the j aws being flat and substantially parallel for receiving and contacting with a fuse device, and a bail for clamping the fuse device therein, the ends ot the bail being turned into apertures in the clip legs and swingably mounted thereon, said bail resiliently pressing said jaws against the fuse device when moved to a position overlying the jaws.

ll. lin a device for holding an object, a tirst resilient element including a base, a plurality ot yieldable jaws integral therewith and adapted to receive said object, and a plural- 4ity of resilient legs also integral with said base and said jaws between said base and said jaws for urging said jaws into irm contact with said object,.and a bail pivoted in said resilient legs and adapted to be swung into the path oit removal of said object from said jaws to prevent its removal and to engage and hold said resilient legs from spreading.

l2. lin a device for holding an object, a first resilient element including a base, a plurality of yieldablejaws integral'therewith and adapted to .receive said object, and a plurality of resilient legs also integral with said base and said jaws between said base and said jaws for urging said jaws into firm contact with said object, a bail carried by said resilient legs adapted to be swung into the path of removal of said object trom Lesa/rae prevent the removal of the device therefrom a and to tension the jaws upon the device without affecting the resiliency or yieldability oit said jaws.

lll. lin a device of the character described, opposed jaws spaced to receive an object inserted between them, said jaws being yieldingly urged toward each other into contactl with said object, the space between the jaws being open at one end for insertion and removal ot the object, and means permanently associated with the jaws and movable relative thereto into and out or position to obj struct the path of movement of the object in removing the same trom between said jaws, said means when in obstructing posi-y tilpn pressing the jaws more firmly upon the o 'ect.

l5. lin a device of the character described, an approximately U-shaped member having its arms bent inwardly and downwardly forming resilient jaws, and a second U- shaped member mounted on the base portion of the first member and having its arms contacting with the jaws and resisting outward movement thereof.

1G. lin a device ot the character' described,

an approximately U-shaped member having its arms bent inwardly and downwardly forming straight resilient jaws disposed in approximate parallelism with the arms, and a second U-shaped member mounted on the base portion o" the first member and having its arms extending above the lower ends of the jaws and engaging the outer 'faces thereof to resist outward movement of said jaws.

17. lln a device of the character described, an approximately U-shaped Vmember having its arms bent inwardly and downwardly forming jaws disposed in spaced relation to each other and to the arms ot said member, and a bail mounted on the arms for swinging movement about the same,` said bail acting when in raised position to force the jaws toward each other and to release the-jaws when in lowered position.

18. lin a device of the character described, an approximately U-shaped resilient member having its arms bent inwardly and toward the bight portion of said member torming resilient jaws disposed within and substantially parallel to the arms, and means contacting with said jaws and resisting outward movement thereof. j

19. In a device of the character described, an approximately U-shaped member formed of resilient material, and having its arms bent inwardly and toward the bight portion ofjsaid member forming resilient jaws disposed substantially parallel to said arms in spaced relation thereto to receive and contact with an object inserted between said fajaws, Y r

20. In combination an open topped \U shaped resilient frame having jaw portions facing each other within the frame lfor en gaging a terminal member between them, a wire bail pivoted adjacent the base of the U shaped frame and adapted to be swung over the open top of the U shaped frame lto prevent 4displacement of the terminal memagainst the sides of the U-shaped frame to` press the sides toward each other.

21. In combination an open topped U shaped resilient frame having j aw portions facing each other within the frame for engaging a terminal member between them, a

l bail pivoted adjacent the base of the U-shaped frame and adapted to be swung over the open top of the U shaped frame to prevent displacement of the terminal member and said jaw portion and to press said jaws toward each other, said resilient frame having a pair oTy projections'on each side for holding between them the bail when it is in position over the top 'of said frame. v

In witness whereof, I hereunto'subscribe my name this 22nd day of May,V 1925.

NICHOLAS J. CONRAD. 

